The Grout Line
Paolo Gazzorini
At the ASCE Geo-Frontiers Conference in Austin, Texas, in January
2005, I met Lynn Pugh and John Gadsby of BiTech – publishers of
Geotechnical News. Jim Warner, author of the Practical Handbook
of Grouting and one of the “gurus” of North America grouting was
visiting at BiTech’s booth.
As we were enjoying BiTech’s well-prepared Italian Espresso (and I
..
can appreciate it… thanks John), James Warner proposed the idea of
a department or section in Geotechnical News devoted to grouting;
similar to John Dunnicliff’s Geotechnical Instrumentation News.
We present this new section related to pressure grouting, and the
Paolo Gazzorini
baptism of “The Grout Line”. As “father” of this new section of the
magazine, Jim agreed to prepare the following introduction.
Pressure Grouting
Jim Warner
Pressure Grouting is a specialized con- grouters. An educational forum pertain- job given as the reason. Amongst other
struction process that most geo-profes- ing to grouting is thus badly needed. problems, the grout holes were placed
sionals will come in contact with at least Some years back I read an ASFE Case directly over the pipe, and many pene-
a few times in their career, but few will History in Geotechnical News involv- trated it with subsequent injection fill-
be involved with it frequently. This re- ing grouting to improve some inade- ing it with grout, until the line backed
sults in many not being equipped to quately compacted backfill over a new up. From the article, it was clear that
handle such work confidently, making sewer. The project was a disaster and none of the involved professionals had a
them subject to misinformation and in- lack of input from the firms “grouting clue as to what they were doing, and al-
timidation by less than principled expert” due to being tied up on another though penetrating the pipe with grout
38 Geotechnical News, June 2005
THE GROUT LINE
holes took the blame, it was evident that many practicing engineers who do pends on you, the readers of this new
many other inappropriate things oc- nonetheless need a reliable source of section.
curred as well. information. I would like to add to Jim’s introduc-
The review reminded me once again, It is hoped The Grout Line will fill tion that this section will be focused on
of the importance for engineers to un- the void and become an active forum for grouting, specifically related to:
derstand the basics of grouting and hav- sharing knowledge, not only by experi- • Grouting (permeation) in rock
ing a place to get valid information; enced practitioners, but all interested • Grouting (permeation) in soil
Wouldn’t it be great to have a regular parties including the novice. Discussion • Compaction grouting in soil
feature similar to John Dunnicliff’s of experiences, both good and bad, • Jet- Grouting
GIN, which could serve as an educa- questions, answers, and discussion of • Soil mixing
tional forum for grouting, The Grout any grouting related topic as well as • All other types of grouting
Line. Thoroughly embroiled in writing news of the industry will be provided. • Others ideas?
the Practical Handbook of Grouting at This will greatly improve the grouting We need articles on experiences,
the time, I had no time to follow knowledge of all. Quoting from the very both good and bad (but preferably bad
through, and so the idea remained dor- l a s t p a r a g r a p h in th e P r a c t i c a l because it is from the failures that we
mant until Paolo Gazzarrini stepped Handbook of Grouting: learn more), questions and answers on
forward recently and agreed to make it Above all, as grouting professionals, grouting equipment, material, theories,
happen. we must apply our knowledge, to ensure quality control. Grouting technology
When I first fell into the grouting in- that all grouting work is performed in a and the increased understanding of
dustry in 1952, what little technology rational, technical correct manner, and grouting parameters through the ex-
existed was antiquated and failed to rec- in conformance with sound engineering panding use of computers and grouting
ognize either the available material sci- principals. Grouting is not magic or a control in real time will be the heart of
ence or established laws of physics, black art but rather a well-established “The Grout Line”.
although some well established though science, and those of us that are true To repeat Jim’s words “Grouting is
incorrect notions were firmly en- professionals must abide by the highest not magic or a black art” (or more accu-
trenched. And the few operating spe- standards. We must not hesitate to call rately, is not anymore), with newly en-
cialty contractors presented the the bluff of those amongst us that gineered grouting theories and the
procedure as black magic, which of choose to hide behind a veil of magic, increasing use of real time computer
course, only they could perform. Fortu- for only by sharing fundamentals of the monitoring, we will have the possibility
nately, I was ignorant of the state of technology with other professionals, of interesting discussions and construc-
practice and the many misconceptions and following through with the highest tive dialog about our industry.
of the time, but being somewhat aware quality performance will the role of the Send your contributions to: The Grout
of concrete technology, went my own grouter shine. Let us all shine and excel Line, Paolo Gazzorini, 12 – 2242
way with a unyielding desire to in our progress! Folkestone Way, West Vancouver, BC
understand the mechanisms involved. The Grout Line can be an extraordi- V7S 2X7, Tel: 604-913-1022,
The state of understanding today is nary tool for broadening our knowl- Fax: 604-913-0106,
of course much advanced as is the edge, but only if we make it a true email: paolo@paologaz.com.
breadth of grouting application. But forum. Let us all share our questions,
much confusion continues and though answers, new ideas or discussion of the
there are many exceptional operators, a old. No inquiry should be too consid-
few magicians remain and practice ered too simplistic or advanced. If one
what might best be defined as high tech needs an answer let’s get it out, and for
black magic. Far too much incorrect in- those things that are controversial, have
formation is promulgated and the term enthusiastic debate, as this will improve
proprietary greatly overused. The fact the understanding of us all. In short,
Visit our website:
is grouting has become a well devel- let’s bury Paolo with material to be www.bitech.ca
oped technology, and there is very little published!
if any knowledge, not readily available. click on
Though seminars on grouting and Jim Warner, PO Box 1208, Mariposa, Geotechnical News
ground modification are common, the California 95338, Tel: 209-966-5915,
week long short course Grouting Fun- Fax: 209-966-4728 go to
damentals and Current Practice now
sponsored by the Colorado School of
How to Submit
Coordinating Editor’s
Mines and held annually since 1978, Comments Articles to BiTech.
provides an intensive understanding of Yes, of course, I would like to be buried
all facets of the practice. But such in- with material to be published! This de-
tense education is beyond the interest of
Geotechnical News, June 2005 39